Location: Rhododendron, Oregon – Mt. Hood, Oregon
Distance: 7 Mile Lollipop Loop Time: 3-4 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,020 Feet
Season: May-October
Foot Traffic: Heavy
Date Hiked: July 18, 2021
Overview
If you are looking to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, look no further than the phenomenal Ramona Falls. This 120 foot, cascade waterfall will take visitors along the Sandy River, through a moss covered forest that is extremely representative of this area. Along the 3.5 mile trail (one way) to the falls, gorgeous scenery is at every turn, along with great views of Mt. Hood in the distance.
The drive to the trailhead is a quick and scenic, 20 minute drive from Mt. Hood Village and there is a plethora of other great trails and activities to explore in this area. Although the trail length, at 7 miles round trip, might dissuade some, the elevation gain is very manageable and overall the trail is pretty easy. Hikers must be careful near the beginning of the trail as the footbridge was washed away years ago and hikers must now navigate crossing it without the bridge. The bridge will not be being replaced. There are usually logs placed to aid in crossing the river but make sure to observe the best place to cross as these aides often wash away and change from year to year. During high runoff and heavy flow of the river, the crossing can be extremely dangerous and shouldn’t be tried. Hikers should use caution here.
After the river crossing, the trail is fairly easy and straight forward. Hikers will finally arrive at a massive canopy with a beautiful wooden footbridge fronting the astonishing 120 foot Ramona Falls.
Take in the scene and spend some time here. This trail can get extremely busy, so choosing to start early is a great option for those wishing to experience this splendid waterfall in solitude.
Trail Description and Scout’s Story
My wife, our two month old daughter, Scout and I have now been on the road for a little more than 3 weeks. The trip started with a lot of car camping and primitive camping but we had planned a stay at the Whispering Woods Resort in Mt. Hood and were super excited to have a few nights sleeping inside. While we have spent a good amount of time in Oregon, we had never made it a point to explore the Mt. Hood region. I was so upset with myself for having never brought us here and after a mere 4 days of hiking around the Mt. Hood area, I considered this one of my favorite areas I had ever visited in the United States. This is unquestionably an underrated area and the list of great hikes here is uncountable.
After our final night at the Whispering Woods Resort, we made the quick 20 minute drive to the Ramona Falls trailhead. The road in is a little bumpy but is usually doable in a passenger car. The drive in is exceptional and sets the scene for what is to come. We arrived around 8:30 and there were only a few cars in the lot. We gathered our gear and got baby Scout situated on her mom’s chest in her carrier. Scout was wide awake but we knew it wouldn’t be long until she took her first of many naps on this day.
Ramona Falls Trailhead to the Stream Crossing
We made our way to the trail board and headed out on the obvious trail through a moss covered forest canopy accompanied by sprawling Douglas Firs and Lodgepole Pines. The trail started off incredibly flat, easing us into our morning hike. At about 1 mile into the hike we reached the bank of the river. From here, we briefly dropped down to the riverbed, where we reached the Sandy River Crossing.
In actuality, this is the only difficult part of the whole trail, outside of the distance. The river crossing can be incredibly dangerous and people have been swept away and killed here. While there used to be a footbridge to aid hikers in crossing, a storm washed it away and the forest service has no plans to replace it. On this day we wandered the river bank until we found a bunch of logs that had been laid out to assist hikers in crossing.
Safely Navigating the Sandy River Stream Crossing
We decided this would be the best place to cross and slowly and methodically made our way over the logs and across the stream. This crossing absolutely should not be made when the river is flowing heavily or after heavy spring runoff or after storms. Assess the river and make sure it is safe before crossing. I went first across the river holding onto the logs for support. My wife followed behind me with our daughter on her chest as I assisted her.
To be honest, I was a little surprised at how powerful the current of the river felt as I crossed. I knew it was safe but had it been much heavier we would have turned back. Crossing the stream with younger kids here surely wouldn’t be recommended and doing so with a baby probably isn’t the smartest option. My wife and I are extremely experienced and felt beyond safe doing this but I wouldn’t suggest that others do the same.
Sandy River Stream Crossing to Ramona Falls
After crossing the stream, we relaxed along the river for a minute before continuing. The trail began to wind up a few small, short, rocky switchbacks, before heading into the tree line. We had now reached the 1.25 mile mark and the loop section of the trail was just in front of us. At this point, hikers can choose to go either left (clockwise) or right (counter clockwise). There should be a junction sign here reading, “Pacific Crest-Sandy River Trail Junction”. It’s completely up to the hiker as to which way to proceed but I personally prefer to continue right (clockwise) at the junction. The reason for this is that I believe it leaves the best section of trail for the return part of the loop after reaching the falls.
For the next 2 miles the trail would ascend leisurely through a mostly forested section with the Sandy River to our right. This section of the trail is incredibly straight forward and the climbing is incredibly gradual and fairly easy with tons of shade. At a little more than 3 miles we reached the signed Pacific Crest-Timberline Middle Trail Junction and turned left. Scout was still asleep on her mom’s chest as we passed through a little fence and the trail flattened. Massive Lodgepole Pines lined the forest in front of us and the sound of Ramona Falls was now growing louder.
At 3.5 miles, we had now reached Ramona Falls and were absolutely blown away by what we were witnessing.
Reaching Ramona Falls
Being that there is no pool at the best of Ramona Falls, the falls trickle out and create a beautiful stream setting. The setting is cool from the blowing water of the falls and the trees above creating an abundance of shadow. I find Ramona Falls to be one of the most beautiful falls not only in Oregon but in all of America.
They are truly Stunning. The little wooden footbridge in front of the falls adds a nice touch to the already majestic scene.
With Scout in her carrier on her mom’s chest, we stood and watched the falls in amazement. Scout’s head twisted and turned to take in the sounds of the falls. Her little eyes were so intrigued and she seemed so calmed by the sights and sounds of Ramona Falls.
We spent quite some time just taking in this amazing scene. After my wife set up the tripod and took some pictures, we reluctantly decided to finish the loop.
Finishing the Loop From Ramona Falls
Looking towards the falls, we would continue left to finish the loop. We continued over the wooden footbridge, following the signed Timberline Trail. This portion of the trail is phenomenal. Massive Lodgepole Pines clog the forest as well as moss covered hemlocks as you proceed along the ever audible Ramona Creek.
For me, this was probably my favorite section of the trail. Eventually, we came to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail and the Timberline Middle Trail junction. We proceeded to take a right here, continuing through a still thick, forested canopy. Finally the trail started to descend and we arrived at the Pacific Crest and Sandy River Trail Junction. This would be our last junction before completely the loop portion of the hike.
We continued left and in no time were making our way towards the Sandy River Crossing. We once again, slowly and safely navigated the crossing with Scout tucked into her mom’s chest. The loop portion of the hike was done and we were now, once again, on familiar terrain. It was all smooth sailing from here and the next mile went by incredibly fast.
While the trail to Ramona Falls gives a good workout, it is more than worth the effort. I wouldn’t say I was surprised by how much I ended up loving this trail but it absolutely overwhelmed me with its beauty and the captivating finish of reaching the mind blowing Ramona Falls. Overall, this was a hike that we will never forget and this week with our baby in the Mt. Hood area has been insanely important for our souls and spirits. I can not wait to see what the next few months on the road have in store for us.
Getting to the Ramona Falls Trailhead
Ramona Falls, Rhododendron, OR 97049
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- Yes. While there is no fee to hike, there is a $5 parking fee, per vehicle/per day from May 15th-October 1st or you can purchase a $30 annual Northwest Forest Pass to access all public Forest Service locations in Oregon and Washington. There is no fee to park from October 2nd-May 14th.
Are dogs allowed on the Ramona Falls Trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on the Ramona Falls Trail, however, they must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and dispose of all animal waste.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes, vault toilets are available in the parking lot.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers, fisherman and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
